Editor’s Note: Syrous Irani is a postgraduate of Grade 2020 of the School of Life Science and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University. He is the winner of the 2018, 2019 and 2020 Chinese Government Scholarships for outstanding international students in China, an outstanding international undergraduate of Shanghai Jiao Tong University, the chairman of the 8th international students association of Shanghai Jiao Tong University, and a volunteer in the international youth rescue alliance.

Syrous Irani in 2019 Shanghai World Expo

Come to China for “Chinese dream”

Syrous Irani was born to an “international” family. His mother is Chinese and his father is Iranian. Irani grew up in Iran, but his mother taught him Chinese and talked about Chinese culture, which triggered his love of and curiosity towards China. As a result, Irani went to China’s international metropolis - Shanghai - and chose to study at Shanghai Jiao Tong University.

Professional study at Shanghai Jiao Tong University

As Irani had a long period of hospitalization in his teenage years, he developed a strong interest in life sciences and pharmacy, hoping to contribute to the medical and health sector. After four years of studying pharmacy, he was admitted to the School of Life Science and Biotechnology for further study in information biology.

Syrous Irani in 2019 Shanghai World Expo

During his studies at the School of Life Science and Biotechnology, he joined Professor Li Jing's research group to carry out scientific research. In the first year of his postgraduate studies, he spent a lot of time for learning about information biology. At first, Irani had many difficulties in scientific research, but with the help of professor Li, he improved rapidly. At present, his research direction is to predict the synergy of medicine using deep learning methods. He hopes to integrate his knowledge in pharmacy to carry out cross-disciplinary studies in information biology. He plans to study for a PhD after completing his postgraduate studies.

Colorful youth life

Irani is an outgoing person who loves making friends, painting and making music.

As the chairman of the international students association, Irani has organized a number of activities, such as a Christmas party, a Halloween party and a world cultural customs exhibition. He has organized lectures and provided employment guidance for postgraduate students. As a rock and roll lover, Irani established a band called “Friday” with his Chinese classmates. He is also  a member of an Acapella choir made up of international students.

A communicator of Chinese culture

Irani is half Chinese and half Iranian. He said he hopes to make his contribution to Sino-Iranian relations under the Belt and Road Initiative.

Syrous Irani serves as a simultaneous interpreter at the opening ceremony of the national pavilion of Iran in the China (Shanghai) Pilot Free Trade Zone in 2018

Irani serves as a long-term voluntary simultaneous interpreter for the Consulate of Iran. “It is my honor to make contributions in the cultural communication between China and Iran. I will continue to use my advantages in language and cultural cognition to help Iran further understand China and actively promote Chinese culture,” he said.

Irani said that Shanghai Jiao Tong University has rich learning resources and a large education platform, as well as  many top students. “Every class I have had there has benefited me greatly. Every person I have met gives me a new perspective of the world,” he said, adding that he is lucky to study in China and at Shanghai Jiao Tong University.